19 fret tenor banjo from 1920’s made by the Puntolillo Company, New York. Around 1924 Puntolillo began building S. S. Stewart branded banjos and did so for several years, the Stewart Wondertone models are Puntolillo products. Before the big 20’s tenor banjo boom he was making open back 17 fret models under the names The Bell and Princess and they had a different tone ring design than Puntolillo’s later 1920’s 19 fret tenor banjos.  In the 20’s, of course, he had his own Majestic line and also produced banjos named Regina and Symphony. I suspect his instruments were an inspiration for the Clifford Essex Paragon as some models have the same vertical holes through the rim. It’s archtop tone ring patent was issued in 1920 to Gaetano F. Puntolillo and it is this which gives this instrument its unique tonal qualities. I would put this banjo on a power with most professional level banjos, it has a sweet sustain with bass resonance and a rich soft tone. His work is more creative, even fanciful, than many builders of his period. People have asked me from time to time to recommend a good quality tenor banjo and of course this could open a never ending debate. Of lately I have been setting up, servicing and restoring quite a few of the Majestic brand banjos for customers and they are truly individually, little understated treasures. If Puntolillo was alive today I would market his instruments.

Banjo details 

Starting in the engine area that drives the sound from this magnificent banjo is a flat bar archtop tone ring with side holes seated on metal grommets.  It is in beautiful, original condition for an early 1920’s vintage instrument which has been very well cared for over the decades. The nine piece neck is constructed from select Brazillan rosewood with multi-layered pear wood and maple centre, with cream binding and triple wood laminate along the rosewood fretboard, which is perfectly straight with nice low playing action. This model also features the beautifully carved heel. The position markers have nice floral shaped mother of pearl inlays and a complete re-fret has been done by myself. The head stock is very tastefully decorated in beautiful mother of pearl floral inlay bearing the name Majestic Deluxe. The side walls of the stock head is horizontally multi-laminated in ebony, maple highlighted with a nice white binding edge. The original tuners (same type used on Epiphone banjos) are in perfect working condition and hold tuning well. The rim construction is 3/4 inch thick maple multiply laminate with outer rosewood veneer, housing the 24  shoes, hooks & nuts. The neck is attached to the rim by a centre steel bar and  1/2″ outer circular sleeve.

The construction of the multiply rosewood resonator is beautiful, centred maple concentric circles and intricate wood marquetry along the edge. The banjo is fitted with a new Remo 10 – 14/16″ white smooth bottom head. Other great features are the original Presto tail piece which has DM engraved, possibly the initials of the original owner? Woodwork and gold plating throughout are in very good condition and comes with a original vintage hardshell case. The sound of this tenor banjo is incredible, words can’t honestly describe it, drop by to test it for yourself you’ll be intrigued!